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Sony Television signs Netflix’s first big studio deal for an original series

Sony Television Pictures has signed a deal with Netflix to create original series for the streaming video service, becoming the first big Hollywood studio to do so. According to the Wall Street Journal, production will begin early next year for a psychological thriller from the creators of the FX legal drama “Damages.”

This isn’t the first time that Sony has become involved with Netflix — it’s already streaming its hit shows like AMC’s “Breaking Bad” among others, but what makes this different is the fact that now Netflix won’t be creating the series themselves — Hollywood will do it for them.

Netflix already has several popular shows, including “House of Cards” starring Kevin Spacey, “Hemlock Grove” created by Eli Roth, and “Orange is the New Black.” The industry took notice at the production value and gave an Emmy Award to “House of Cards” for Best Director, marking the first time Netflix has won such acclaim for its service.

It’s worth noting that many of the popular series on Netflix were created by studios — not Netflix directly. As the Wall Street Journal notes, “House of Cards” was produced by Media Rights Capital, while “Orange is the New Black” was made by Lions Gate Entertainment Group.

Based on the aforementioned deal, Netflix is getting the rights to premiere the new one-hour drama series in all international territories where it offers service. As for the new show:

The creators of the new Netflix series to be made by Sony, Todd A. Kessler , Daniel Zelman and Glenn Kessler , said in a statement that the one-hour drama will explore “the complex bonds between parents and children, brothers and sisters, and the rivalries, jealousies, and betrayals at the core of every family.”

Will this usher in a new relationship with Hollywood? Who knows, but it does seem that the online medium is the way for studios to go amid the popularity of smart TVs and other connected devices like the iPad, Roku, Apple TV, and more.

Ken Yeung is a reporter for The Next Web based in San Francisco, CA. He carries around a big camera & likes to write about tech, startups, parties, and interesting people. Follow him on Twitter, on Facebook, and Google+.